Around The World In 8 Business Lessons

Around The World In 8 Days was a charity cycle challenge where the 24,906 miles of the world were surpassed and a massive 33,643 miles completed. This took an extraordinary effort by all involved but what business lessons can be learnt from such an achievement? I have shared the business lessons I have taken from the event below.

Team Work. It is impossible to achieve anything in life single handed. Whether it is family, friends or staff you need someone to pick you up when you are down and someone to keep you on the ground when you get ahead of yourself. Make sure you have a support network of good people around you.

Motivation. No one else is going to do it for you. If you are not prepared to do something then how can you expect anyone else to? If you can inspire those around you to keep going you will achieve so much more. We started the week with 496 competitors and ended with over 700 - people were still signing up after we had achieved our goal and the pace increased!

Commitment. Once you have made a decision get on with it. Have conviction in everything that you do because if you say it enough you will believe it and so will others. If you begin to wane others will follow and you cannot afford for that to happen.

Competition. Great for business and individuals. Set targets and make the information available - let people see how they are doing you will be amazed at the results. If it does not motivate you to be better then you need to review the targets or the individuals! The idea of being in the top 10 cyclists made me sign up for extra slots and cycle 65 extra miles on the last day.

Organisation. Make deadlines and stick to them by planning effectively. Make sure you have the right people, in the right place, at the right time. Do not overdo it - if you want the perfect plan you will never put anything into action.

Adaptability. If the wheels come of your bike fix them or get on another but do it quickly. You cannot afford to let the pace slip as it is difficult to get going when momentum is lost. You don't have time to mess about and you cannot plan for every eventuality roll with the punches.

Determination. Push yourself when you have hit a wall as you will get that second wind to see you over the line. Once you have completed it the first time it gets easier and it is then a matter of how much you are willing to push. If you don't push yourself someone else will.

Fun. If you do not enjoy what you are doing don't do it. You spend a long time working so find something you like and surround yourself with like-minded people. The power of laughter is a wonderful thing but use it sparingly otherwise nothing will get done and where is the fun in that?

Around The World In 8 Days is looking to raise £75,000 for Breast Cancer Care, Poole Hospital Charity and Cancer Research UK. It is not too late to sponsor please visit www.aroundtheworldin8days.co.uk

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